Punjab Plans Anti-Sacrilege Law Amendments, Proposes Life Term for Disrespecting Guru Granth Sahib

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced plans to strengthen the state’s anti-sacrilege law, which will make acts of ‘beadbi’ (sacrilege) against the Guru Granth Sahib subject to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Mann stated that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government will convene a special session of the state Assembly on April 13 to propose amendments to the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act of 2008, aimed at imposing stricter penalties for offenses involving the disrespect of the Guru Granth Sahib and other sacred texts.

During an event in Fatehgarh Sahib, the Chief Minister emphasized, ‘On April 13, we will amend the ‘Beadbi’ law; anyone committing ‘beadbi’ of Sri Guru Granth Sahib will face 10 years to life imprisonment.’ He underscored that no individuals involved in sacrilege incidents would be exempt from punishment. Mann also criticized the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for past occurrences of sacrilege during its governance in Punjab.

Chief Minister Mann elaborated that his administration is taking significant steps to ensure justice by reinforcing laws and implementing strict penalties. ‘On the occasion of Baisakhi, we have called a special Assembly session to amend the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008. Anyone attempting ‘beadbi’ will face the strictest punishment, with a minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment,’ he stated.

Furthermore, Mann remarked, ‘No one should dare to disrespect Sri Guru Granth Sahib. We are also consulting the Sant Samaj. This is something only we can and must do, and it cannot be expected from any other government.’ The AAP’s proposed changes signal a robust commitment to addressing sacrilege in the region, resonating deeply with the sensitivities surrounding religious sentiments.

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